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Three men have been jailed over their roles in a call centre fraud operation that stole £74,000 from a dying 84-year-old retired nuclear physicist, who later passed away from cancer.
Leopold Reeves, who was battling a rare form of tongue cancer, was tricked by the gang into transferring his life savings after being falsely told his devices were involved in criminal activity.
Elaborate Scam Targeted Elderly Victims
The fraudsters posed as agents from the National Crime Agency, cold calling elderly victims and convincing them to move large sums of money into what were claimed to be “secure” accounts.
One of the gang members, Majewski, was arrested in Germany earlier this year under an international warrant secured by City of London Police. He was extradited to the UK in March, and on Monday, June 30, pleaded guilty to three fraud offences at Inner London Crown Court.
He was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison.
Majewski’s role involved providing accomplices with bank accounts opened using fraudulent documents. These were then used to “cash out” the stolen funds.
Co-Conspirators Also Sentenced
Two other members of the gang:
- Dinesh Alavala, of Admiralty Avenue, Silvertown, was jailed for three years
- Avinash Kakumanu, also of Admiralty Avenue, received two-and-a-half years
A fourth defendant, Nellikondi, of Sheffield Road, Rotherham, was handed a two-year suspended sentence.
Police Recovered Much of the Stolen Money
Detectives with City of London Police managed to recover around £120,000, and the majority of Mr Reeves’ money was returned early in the investigation.
“We Have Not Forgotten the Victims of Fraud”
Detective Inspector Michael O’Sullivan said:
“The victim in this case has unfortunately passed away, but we did not give up in our relentless pursuit of justice.
Majewski will now answer for his crimes.
Although this heinous act took place many years ago, we have not forgotten and will not forget victims of fraud.”
If you suspect a fraud or scam:
- Visit Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk
- Or call 0300 123 2040
